American Girl Under Your Christmas Tree #HolidayGiftGuide15

American Girl Under Your Christmas Tree This YearamericangirlAmerican Girl is a staple in our house. After being a boymom for sixteen years before Emm came along it is a wonderful thing to see dolls under the Christmas tree. This year will be no different. A American Girl doll is special. It’s a little bit more expensive than the others but the quality is something you just cannot substitute. I do have to admit that I was thrilled before Emm was born to find out that there actually was a doll with her name. She was lucky enough to have her first doll before she was born, given to her by her grandma at my baby shower. Since then we have added to the collection with Bitty Baby, matching clothes and accessories. I’m happy to say that they really have filled our house with joy. Emm and I have spent countless hours hosting tea parties, reading stories about what each American Girl doll represents and just playing. I hope it is something that Emm will repeat with her own children someday. americangirl1Recently we were introduced to Maryellen Larkin. As a mom I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love what she stands for: “I follow my heart instead of the crowd”. What better message than that for a mom and dad to introduce to their daughter. Maryellen Larkin is part of the Be Forever collection. She represents 1954 and is just delightful. There are accessories available from clothes to baking items. We love her already in this house. I’m sure she will be a welcome friend to many of her friends that already live here.  Check out more about Maryellen Larkin here: http://www.americangirl.com/shop/dolls/maryellenamericangirlbirthday1

americangirlbirthdayCheck out our American Girl Cafe Birthday by clicking here.

holidaygiftguide15Disclosure: 3decades3kids is an American Girl Brand partner blog. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and honest. Sample product was provided by American Girl. This post is part of our #HolidayGiftGuide15 series. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net and @3decades3kids everywhere else. 

“Sharing with Care Bears” personalized storybook by Twig Tale #ShareYouCare

“Sharing with Care Bears” personalized storybook by Twig Tale

carebears1In this house we are all about reading. Being a child of two teachers means total exposure to all types of books. So when we had the chance to check out the “Sharing with Care Bears” personalized storybook by Twig Tale we could not wait. Reading is always more fun when a book is personalized. Who doesn’t love to see their own name and pictures throughout the story? In addition, our family loves Care Bears! We are a total Care Bear family for life.

carebears2 carebears3

When it comes to creating your own personalized book, it is one word- easy! The book is online and you simply put in the photos of your choice and fill in the names. You can choose soft or hard covered copies at the end of the process. I have to say, I am pretty much obsessed with anything personalized and definitely am buying a few of these for the nieces and nephews. How can you lose. The Care Bears “Sharing with Care Bears” book also teaches a lesson about caring and sharing. We love books that bring up issues that children may be having in their own life. This book is  a great conversation opener for families.

carebears4 carebears5

If you are looking for a holiday book, birthday book or any time book you really need to look no farther. There is just something so special about Care Bears and when you combine them with your own children’s pictures it is just a dream come true in a book. It will definitely be a book that will be read over and over again and passed down to generations to come. You can check out more about “Sharing with Care Bears” personalized storybook by Twig Tale here: https://www.twigtale.com/

holidaygiftguide15Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a #ShareYouCare Care Bears Ambassador Blogger. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and completely honest. No compensation was given for this post. Sample product was provided in order to facilitate this review. This post is part of our #HolidayGiftGuide15 series. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net and @3decades3kids everywhere else across social media.